Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables
- Component
- Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables
- Manufacturer
- GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Vehicles affected
- 301
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2001-03-17
- Owners notified
- 2001-04-23
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A MISROUTED POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE ASSEMBLY THAT COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE STEERING SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT.
Safety risk
OVER TIME THIS CONTACT COULD CAUSE A WEAR-THROUGH OF THE CABLE ASSEMBLY CONVOLUTED CONDUIT AND CABLE INSULATION EXPOSING THE WIRE CORE AND RESULTING IN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL SHORTING. THIS COULD RESULT IN ERRATIC MOVEMENT OF THE VOLTAGE GAGE, TOTAL BATTERY DISCHARGE IN A FEW HOURS, OR THE CABLE INSULATION AND CONDUCT COULD IGNITE IF ENOUGH CURRENT IS DISCHARGED AT THE POINT OF CONTACT, RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE FOR PROPER ROUTING AND RE-ROUTE THE CABLE IN NECESSARY. THE CABLE WILL ALSO BE INSPECTED FOR WEAR OF THE CONDUIT AND CABLE INSULATION, AND WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.